Frank Isola's first-round NBA mock draft: See who is on Knicks' radar and potential lottery surprises

1 • Phoenix Suns: Deandre Ayton, Arizona C

Deandre Ayton is quite confident he'll be the first pick in the draft. (Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images)

The consensus top pick said Wednesday he fully expects his name to be called first by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. Versatile and athletic, Ayton is an impact player on both ends of the court. Even in a guard-driven league you just don’t pass on this type of talent.

2 • Sacramento Kings: Marvin Bagley III, Duke F

An athletic, 6-foot-11 forward with an offensive game that suits the NBA. Bagley, a lefty who reminds you of a young Walter Berry, needs to improve defensively. The Kings are still debating whether to take Luka Doncic with this pick.

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3 • Atlanta Hawks: Luka Doncic, Real Madrid G

A down year for international players but not for Doncic, the youngest player in EuroLeague history to win MVP for both regular season and Final Four. At 6-8, he has point guard skills and a shooting guard’s range. This is Year 2 of the Hawks’ rebuild and Doncic should start immediately.

4 • Memphis Grizzlies: Jaren Jackson Jr., Michigan State F

This is where things can get interesting. Memphis would trade the pick if a team is willing to take Chandler Parsons’ contract. In that scenario, you may see Michael Porter Jr. selected here. If the Grizzlies keep the pick, Jackson, the youngest player in the draft, is a smart choice.

5 • Dallas Mavericks: Mo Bamba, Texas C

The kid from Harlem has all the physical tools. His drive has been questioned but with the right organization -- and that’s where Rick Carlisle comes in -- Bamba could be a steal. Porter Jr. could potentially land here as well.

6 • Orlando Magic: Trae Young, Oklahoma PG

Trae Young is an intriguing prospect who has Stephen Curry-like potential (Mike Lawrie / Getty Images)

The most intriguing player in the draft. Is he another Stephen Curry or simply destined to be a back-up? He is on the smallish side but as a freshman Young led the nation in scoring and in assists. He’s a competitor and he doesn’t shy away from pressure.

7 • Chicago Bulls: Michael Porter Jr., Missouri F

Some team has guaranteed Porter that they’re taking him and the Bulls make the most sense. Porter, limited to 53 minutes as a freshman due to back surgery, may be the best player in the draft. The Bulls have done extensive research and appear convinced that Porter is healthy and ready to prove his worth.

8 • Cleveland Cavaliers: Wendell Carter Jr., Duke F

His college choices came down to Duke or Harvard so that tells you the type of person we have here. Carter has Al Horford-like potential: can do a little of everything and is a winning player. Whether LeBron James remains in Cleveland or bolts in free agency, Carter will help.

9 • Knicks: Kevin Knox, Kentucky SF

If Trae Young is available, Scott Perry will have a massive decision on his hands in his first draft with the Knicks. If not, Knox, at 6-8, is an impressive prospect. Still only 18, Knox can run, shoot and defend. But for a 6-foot-8 physical specimen he needs to become a bigger rebounder. The Knicks are in the market for an active wing. And it will be entertaining listening to Walt Frazier talk about “the Knicks’ Knox from Kentucky.”

10 • Philadelphia 76ers: Mikal Bridges, Villanova SF

The prototypical NBA player of today: long, athletic and with ability to make shots consistently from behind the arc. The Knicks are contemplating selecting Bridges ninth so it’s unlikely he’ll be on the board very long. Good piece to surround Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid.

11 • Charlotte Hornets: Collin Sexton, Alabama G

The Hornets have talked about trading Kemba Walker in order to cut payroll. If Walker stays, Sexton could learn plenty as a first year backup. He can create his own shot and has the physical tools to be a solid defender.

12 • LA Clippers: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kentucky PG

The Canadian may not fall this far. Could the Knicks pull off a top-10 upset by selecting Gilgeous-Alexander? Maybe. He’s a guard who excels in the pick-and-roll and can play both ends of the court.

13 • LA Clippers: Miles Bridges, Michigan State, SF

Tom Izzo has a habit of sending hard-nosed, coachable players to the NBA and Bridges is no different. A hybrid forward, Bridges can defend multiple positions and is a solid catch-and-shoot scorer.

14 • Denver Nuggets: Robert Williams, Texas A&M PF/C

A lot of questions about his drive and love for the game but there are no questions about his ability. The Nuggets were eliminated from playoff contention on the final night of the regular season, so expectations are high. Williams is a gamble but Denver can use more athleticism on its front line.

15 • Washington Wizards: Lonnie Walker, Miami G

Walker didn’t crack the starting lineup until January, but NBA scouts love his potential. It wouldn’t be the worst thing for Walker to start his career serving as John Wall’s understudy. He could be this year’s Donovan Mitchell.

16 • Phoenix Suns: Zhaire Smith, Texas Tech SG

Resembles a young John Starks. Smith wasn’t heavily recruited out of high school. In fact, he played center before arriving in college proving himself a defensive-minded two-guard with offensive skills.

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17. Milwaukee Bucks: Jerome Robinson, Boston College G

The Bucks are poised to make a run next season, especially if LeBron James heads west. Robinson, 21, can make an immediate contribution.

18 • San Antonio Spurs: Dzanan Musa, Croatia SF

He is not the answer if Kawhi Leonard is traded. But Musa, who just turned 19, is an intriguing prospect.

19 • Atlanta Hawks: Mitchell Robinson C

Hard to gauge his potential since Robinson didn’t play college or international ball. The Hawks are in a position to be patient.

20 • Minnesota Timberwolves: Donte DiVincenzo, Villanova G

Donte DiVincenzo was the hero of the NCAA championship, and his draft stock has soared since then. (Tom Pennington / Getty Images)

The hero of the national championship game, DiVincenzo had a good showing at the draft combine. Big time athlete.

21 • Utah Jazz: Elie Okobo, Pau-Orthez (France) G

The Jazz have an international roster and Okobo will mesh well with his countryman, Rudy Gobert.

22 • Chicago Bulls: Troy Brown Oregon G

Still only 18, Brown is a competitive wing player with loads of potential.

23 • Indiana Pacers: Aaron Holiday, UCLA G

Will be accompanied by his NBA brothers Jrue and Justin on Thursday. Pacers need to get younger in the backcourt.

24 • Portland Trail Blazers: Kevin Huerter Maryland SG

Stays in the first round despite recent hand surgery. A knock down shooter.

25 • Los Angeles Lakers: Khyri Thomas, Creighton G

The Lakers can use a mature presence and Thomas, 22, can defend his position and he shot 41 percent on 3s last season.

26 • Philadelphia 76ers: Keita Bates-Diop, Ohio State F

The Big Ten Player of the Year is another 22-year-old who put up big numbers – 19.8 points and 8.7 rebounds – last season for the Buckeyes.

27 • Boston Celtics: Chandler Hutchison, Boise State G

The belief is he has first round promise, which is why he isn’t granting any workouts. That could mean either Chicago at 22 or the Celtics.

28 • Golden State Warriors: Grayson Allen, Duke G

The Warriors need to replenish their bench and Allen has the shooting, toughness and attitude to spice things up a bit.

29 • Brooklyn Nets: Jalen Brunson, Villanova G

Big East player of the year Jalen Brunson could be part of the ongoing culture change in Brooklyn. (Pool / Getty Images)

The Nets are in this for the long term and are all about creating a culture. Brunson won big in college and is a consummate pro.

30 • Atlanta Hawks: Josh Okogie, Georgia Tech SG

Played for a bad college team but his 7-foot wingspan and versatility are made for the NBA.